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2006 PreVail West Face -
Alexander Valley
[ $55
] BUY THIS WINE
91- 94 points!
The Wine Advocate
I thought the 2006 West Face was slightly better than the 2005. Again a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, the wine shows more opulence, low acidity, and rich, concentrated fruit with a heady concoction of licorice, pepper, black currant, and tapenade. The wine provides some of the dusty, loamy soil notes that are no doubt a character of the Alexander Valley hillsides, with plenty of power, but also much more up-front fruit and a softer, more velvety style than the 2005. This fleshy wine should drink nicely for 10 - 12 years.
- Robert Parker
At merely 2.75 tons per acre, the grapes for West Face are grown on the steep slopes of Ferrari-Carano’s LookOut Mountain which sits at the junction of Alexander Valley, Knights Valley and Chalk Hill appellations. This spectacular mountain vineyard boasts 360 degree views, soaring in elevation from 500 to 1,400 feet, with soils deep, red and rich with nutrients. Dark, concentrated aromas of blackberry syrup, baking spices and toasted oak surround flavors of warm berry pie, butterscotch and milk chocolate. Opulent roasted, caramel oak flavors come through with plentiful, silky tannins providing textural proof of this wine’s ageability.
Vintage Notes
An unusually cool, wet winter and spring caused a late start to the growing season, while above average heat in July, and then a drop in temperature mid-August gave way to early rains in October. This did not harm the fruit, though, as a late warming trend dried the vines perfectly, and brought the Cabernet Sauvignon to full maturity in late October.
Winemakers Notes
These 13-year-old mountain vines with ideal western sun exposure are dry farmed in verdant soil that adds impressive depth and flavor intensity to the wine. West Face is a blend of Clone 8 Cabernet Sauvignon along with Clone 470 and the Durrell selection clone. The grapes for West Face are hand-harvested, and upon entering the winery, hand-sorted and then gravity fed directly into oak tanks for seven days of cold soaking, then fermented and macerated for 28—35 days on the skins. After primary fermentation, the wine is gravity fed to barrel and aged in the wine caves for 20 months, with an additional 14 months aging in bottle prior to release.
| Appellation: |
Alexander Valley |
| Blend: |
64% Cabernet Sauvignon,
36% Syrah |
| Cooperage: |
60% new French and 40% older French oak barrels |
| Release Day: |
October 2010 |
Rhonda's Recipe and Pairing Notes
Braised Short Ribs and Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
PreVail West Face pairs well with braised, roasted or barbecued meats such as chicken, red meat, fish lamb or pork.
Pastas, stews or well-aged medium and strong-flavored cheeses such as Tellagio also pair nicely.
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